Bhastrika Pranayama

The bellows breath is warming, energizing, and purifying.

Bhastrika is similar to Kapalabhati pranayama, but as it is an much more intense practice, proficiency in Kapalabhati must be attained before one attempts Bhastrika. Bhastrika is a quick, active exhalation and inhalation. You will feel your belly quickly pumping in and out like the bellows of a blacksmith as the abdominal muscles engage to assist you with this pranayama. Play with the tempo (40-50 exhalations/30 seconds), but keep a steady rhythm. Start with 1-2 rounds of 20 exhalations, and gradually increase the exhalations if comfortable.